Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 61Not Hide Valuables in Stupa
Pāli / Sanskrit:Not hide valuables in stupa
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THE SUTRA ON NOT STORING OR HIDING VALUABLE OBJECTS IN A STUPA
Context
This sutra is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, reflecting the legal regulations that Buddha Shakyamuni laid down for bhikkhus in the Sangha community. The Vinaya Piṭaka is one of the most important components of the three baskets of scripture (Tipiṭaka), recording precedents, rules of conduct, and ethical lessons related to the monastic way of life.
The context in which this sutra arose came from specific events in the early Buddhist community. In the course of practice, bhikkhus sometimes received valuable objects - these might have been gems, precious materials considered valuable in that historical context, or other objects of high worth. The accumulation of such valuables, together with hiding them in stupas or other concealed places, led to ethical and disciplinary problems in the order.
Main Content
The sutra stipulates that bhikkhus should not store, hoard, or conceal valuable objects, especially in stupas - religious structures used to honor the Buddhadharma and preserve relics. Such an action violates the basic principle of the bhikkhu's Dharma conduct.
The reason this rule was laid down is to protect the spirit of simplicity and purity (aparigrahā), a core principle in Buddhist practice. A bhikkhu must live with the minimum necessary requisites - robes, bowl, and basic living implements. Hiding property not only violates the spirit of renunciation, but also creates fear, anxiety, desire, and other defilements (kilesa).
Furthermore, concealing valuable objects in stupas is an act that profanes places of reverence and diminishes the spiritual meaning of these structures. This may also lead to suspicion and loss of trust from others in the order and from the community of supporters.
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